The Dodgers’ first pick of the 2023 MLB draft was a bit of a surprise, with the team selecting outfielder Kendall George of Atascocita High in Humble, Texas, with the 36th overall pick in Competitive Balance Round A.
A 5-foot-10, 170-pound prospect known mostly for his speed, George wasn’t projected to go so early.
MLB.com ranked him as the draft’s 65th-best prospect. Baseball America had him at No. 114.
His defense and speed — he is considered one of the fastest players in this year’s class — wowed scouts, and his bat-to-ball abilities helped him impress in both high school games and while playing with Team USA’s 18-and-under national team .
George, 18, had been committed to the University of Arkansas but is now in line to become the Dodgers’ highest-drafted high school position player signee since Gavin Lux in 2016.
Read more: Dodgers option slumping rookie Miguel Vargas. So who plays second base now?
The Dodgers had their first pick in this year’s draft dropped 10 spots as part of a luxury tax penalty. They will make another selection in the second round at 60th overall.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.